Growing up with a mother who was in education, I was spoiled having a parent that I had access to for anything. My father had flexible hours also but the flexibility my mother had, she was able to provide for my needs- academically, emotionally and physically. I decided at a young age that I loved being around children and like my parents, I wanted to be able to travel and make memories with my own family one day.

It was at a 5th grade awards celebration at the end of the school year. I had the brother of a student who was by far- not your star student. This student struggled with reading and even more with math. We put in extra time with studying and tutoring then worked on emotional goals. At the awards for her brother, she hugged my neck and broke down in tears. When her brother asked “what is your problem?”, mom said “she learned and realized what she had”. Some lessons go beyond the classroom.

I don’t even know where to start. Sadly, being a teacher isn’t the most financially rewarding career. I honestly would love to use some of the funds to continue to buy snacks, recess materials, learning games and other things for my students which are not funded for. I would love to bless the other teachers on my team also so they can provide for their students or families. I would include the teacher who I interned with and learned my most valuable lessons from myself.